Ngetich to make marathon debut against Tesfay in Valencia

Tesfay ran the fastest ever women’s marathon debut when she clocked 2:10:51 to win the Barcelona Marathon in March, achieving an Ethiopian record and the second-quickest performance in history.

In a thrilling clash, she will now take on Ngetich, the world 10km record-holder who claimed world cross-country and half marathon titles earlier this year.

It was in Valencia that Ngetich set her world 10km record, clocking 28:46 in 2024. She also set her national half marathon record of 1:03:04 and 5km best of 14:13 in the Spanish city – both performances placing her second on the respective world all-time lists.

Ngetich last raced at the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon, which she won in 1:04:23, in October, while Tesfay won the Buenos Aires Half Marathon in 1:03:57 in August.

Tesfay’s participation in Valencia was announced earlier this year, when Yomif Kejelcha was named for the men’s race. But Kejelcha, who clocked a sensational 1:59:41 debut in London in April, has since withdrawn due to injury.

Last year’s Valencia Marathon champions – Jepkosgei and John Korir – both return to defend their titles. Jepkosgei ran 2:14:00 when winning her title last year.

Report by World Athletics